Kukla's Korner Hockey

Regular Canes fans understand the significance of the Stanley Cup, but the general population isn't as engaged, and a loss would not be devastating.
Edmonton is rife with "Go, Oilers, Go" signs on buildings, cars and buses. Oilers jerseys are common street wear. Thousands converge on Whyte Avenue after every Oilers win. In Raleigh, there are Canes flags on an occasional car and a win brings an uptick in the Glenwood Avenue bar business.
Edmonton fans are aware of the difference.
"I have a brother-in-law who went to a game in Raleigh," Connell said. "He had nothing but great things to say about the people down there and their hospitality, but he didn't run into a lot of hockey fans who were anxious to see their team win."
Raleigh isn't helping its NHL image by waffling about where and whether there would be a Stanley Cup parade. Last week, more than six weeks into the playoffs, banners went up along city streets declaring Raleigh "Canes Country."